Vancouver Airport -- Body Scanners

[Italy52]

Does Vancouver Airport have "mandatory" body scanners at security? Our airport has them and was wondering if the Vancouver Airport does.

 

Thanks.

Karen

[Earl Rosebery]

Does Vancouver Airport have "mandatory" body scanners at security? Our airport has them and was wondering if the Vancouver Airport does.

 

Thanks.

Karen

 

Not mandatory but more convenient. There are 4 options and not everyone is subjected to them. i.e. many people just pass through the old style metal detector and that's it. Others are given the choice of body scanners, wanding, pat down or chemical residue test. The pat downs are not as intrusive as in some places. Over all not a bad place to go through security. Quite efficient. Not 'bossy' or mean spirited.

[g-didi]

Not sure where you live, but in the US and Canada body scanners ARE OPTIONAL. Certainly some setups lead you to believe that the only way to pass through security is to use those scanners. You do not have to.

 

If you "opt out" in the US you will subject to a patdown. These patdowns have made the news in that they can be quite invasive. Many complaints of touching of the genitalia/groin (both genders - tsa refers to it as "resistance"), fingers in waistbands.... you get the idea, not too nice. I choose the patdown every time.

 

From the US site:

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/customer/editorial_1029.shtm#2

Q. What should I do if I am not offered the option to have a pat-down instead of going through advanced imaging technology (AIT) equipment?

A. Screenings using AIT are voluntary. Individuals who do not wish to be screened by this technology should inform the TSO of their desire to opt out of AIT. Passengers opting out of AIT will be required to undergo alternative screening, to include a thorough pat-down. If passengers are told they are not allowed the option of a pat-down or other screening, they should ask to speak with a Supervisory Transportation Security Officer.

 

From the Canadian site:

 

http://www.catsa.gc.ca/page.aspx?id=83&pname=scannerbackgrounder_contextescanner&lang=en

 

Process

Passengers selected for secondary screening have the option of choosing the physical search or the full-body scanner. Those selecting a full-body scan are invited to enter the scanner, stand with their feet apart and extend their arms over their head. The scan takes about five seconds. When the process is complete, passengers exit on the opposite side of the scanner.

 

My experience at YVR is to arrive at the front of the line, step on a mat that has a randomizer and it sends you to "Lane X". If its a scanner and you do not wish to use it, simply inform the screener that you opt out. Try not to push your items through the scanner until you are escorted through for your patdown. Keep your belongings in sight at all times and be sure to tell the screener you need to see your things.

[Italy52]

Not mandatory but more convenient. There are 4 options and not everyone is subjected to them. i.e. many people just pass through the old style metal detector and that's it. Others are given the choice of body scanners, wanding, pat down or chemical residue test. The pat downs are not as intrusive as in some places. Over all not a bad place to go through security. Quite efficient. Not 'bossy' or mean spirited.

 

Thanks. I have been through the airport a few times and wasn't sure if you all had gone to the mandatory body scanner. I was given a pat down courtesy of your security a few years ago --- was told I was picked out randomly --- and the lady was a little rough so don't wish to have that done again.

 

Karen

[Italy52]

Not sure where you live, but in the US and Canada body scanners ARE OPTIONAL. Certainly some setups lead you to believe that the only way to pass through security is to use those scanners. You do not have to.

 

If you "opt out" in the US you will subject to a patdown. These patdowns have made the news in that they can be quite invasive. Many complaints of touching of the genitalia/groin (both genders - tsa refers to it as "resistance"), fingers in waistbands.... you get the idea, not too nice. I choose the patdown every time.

 

From the US site:

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/customer/editorial_1029.shtm#2

Q. What should I do if I am not offered the option to have a pat-down instead of going through advanced imaging technology (AIT) equipment?

A. Screenings using AIT are voluntary. Individuals who do not wish to be screened by this technology should inform the TSO of their desire to opt out of AIT. Passengers opting out of AIT will be required to undergo alternative screening, to include a thorough pat-down. If passengers are told they are not allowed the option of a pat-down or other screening, they should ask to speak with a Supervisory Transportation Security Officer.

 

From the Canadian site:

 

http://www.catsa.gc.ca/page.aspx?id=83&pname=scannerbackgrounder_contextescanner&lang=en

 

Process

Passengers selected for secondary screening have the option of choosing the physical search or the full-body scanner. Those selecting a full-body scan are invited to enter the scanner, stand with their feet apart and extend their arms over their head. The scan takes about five seconds. When the process is complete, passengers exit on the opposite side of the scanner.

 

My experience at YVR is to arrive at the front of the line, step on a mat that has a randomizer and it sends you to "Lane X". If its a scanner and you do not wish to use it, simply inform the screener that you opt out. Try not to push your items through the scanner until you are escorted through for your patdown. Keep your belongings in sight at all times and be sure to tell the screener you need to see your things.

 

Thanks for the information. I live in California and at our particular airport, the body scanners are in use. Of course, if I don't want it, there is another option, but I think I would prefer the fast scanner rather than have a person patting me down.

 

Karen

[scottbee]

Does Vancouver Airport have "mandatory" body scanners at security? Our airport has them and was wondering if the Vancouver Airport does.

 

Thanks.

Karen

 

The rules in Canada are similar, but different than the USA. You can get the official rules at http://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/Home.aspx?ID=1 . Security in Canada is done by CATSA, the Canadian equivilant of the TSA

 

Or for it summed up in a Video :-)

[Italy52]

The rules in Canada are similar, but different than the USA. You can get the official rules at http://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/Home.aspx?ID=1 . Security in Canada is done by CATSA, the Canadian equivilant of the TSA

 

Or for it summed up in a Video :-)

 

 

Scott - Thanks for the posting of the video --- had a good laugh over the content. You made my day.

 

Karen